Nairobi, Kenya – Lady Justice Diana Kavedza has underscored the emotional demands of murder trials, noting that judicial officers must maintain composure and rely on God’s grace when confronted with disturbing evidence.
Speaking during the ongoing trial of Philip Eric Mutinda, accused of murdering Multimedia University student Sylvia Kemunto, Justice Kavedza likened the work of judges to that of pathologists who routinely face death and graphic material.
“We see photos, we confront death every day,” she said. “Handling murder cases requires God’s grace.”
Courtroom Control
The judge stressed that despite the emotional weight of such cases, the courtroom must remain orderly.
“The court must contain the emotions,” she directed, before allowing the hearing to proceed.
Her remarks came as Kemunto’s mother, Triza Kwamboka, delivered an emotional testimony, struggling to hold back tears as she recounted her daughter’s final days. Kwamboka said she became alarmed when she failed to reach Sylvia after sending her upkeep money.
Case Background
Kemunto’s body was discovered in April 2025 inside a rooftop water tank at one of the university hostels. Investigators allege that Mutinda, an electrical engineering student at the same institution, killed her in her room, concealed her body in a suitcase, and later dumped it in the tank.
Mutinda went into hiding after the incident but later surrendered to police in Makueni County.
Emotional Testimony
Kwamboka’s testimony highlighted the devastating impact of the crime on the victim’s family. She paused repeatedly to breathe and sip water as she described her daughter’s disappearance, underscoring the emotional toll murder trials take not only on families but also on judicial officers.
Conclusion
Justice Kavedza’s remarks reflect the delicate balance required in handling murder cases – ensuring justice is served while maintaining emotional stability in the face of harrowing evidence. The trial continues, with the court tasked with navigating both the legal and emotional complexities of the case.
